Sweet on Swett's

On a rainy day that necessitated comfort food, I knew the time had come to cash in a coupon for  $10 worth of food at Swett's newest location in the bottom of the Apartments for Retired Teachers complex in Green Hills. (There are several locations, including Clifton Ave., the Nashville Farmer's Market, and the Nashville airport.)

I had saved my coupon for such a day as this, and I am glad I made the effort. For my meat-and-two lunch, I chose meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, and broccoli. I don't know what prompted me to order meatloaf, since I rarely eat it outside my mother's kitchen, but it sounded good to me that day, and I was not disappointed. It was very straightforward and comparable to a hamburger, just the way I like it! Other meat options included country fried steak, fried catfish, pork chops in gravy, and rotissiere chicken, although the offerings change daily.

The mac and cheese was made with elbow noodles in a creamy sauce, not the fluffy egg-based casserole most Southern meat-and-threes serve. As a true Southerner, I was a little disappointed but I like to think the non-egg based option was probably a little healthier. The broccoli was steamed with rosemary, oregano, Italian dressing, red onions and red peppers. The vegetable was light and crunchy but very flavorful. No cheese necessary to make this green veggie edible!

A meat and 2 veggies, plus a large corn muffin was only $7.85. Add a glass of fresh sweet tea for $1.80 and you're looking at just under $10 for a hearty, enjoyable lunch.The menu featured a wide variety of veggies, including corn casserole, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Swett's also offered tossed salads or a fruit salad with cantelope honeydew, pineapple and blackberries. Even the out-of-season, the blackberries tempted me but I opted to splurge a little to get up to my $10 coupon allotment on a slice of strawberry cake, you know, for research purposes only! :)  The cake was moist, delicious, and tasted of real strawberries. The generous slice was only $2.85, which is a bargain compared to many dessert shops here in town.

The southern-bred staff was super friendly; I can't remember the last time I'd been thanked so much for visiting a restaurant.  They specifically asked that I tell everyone I know to come in. When I told them about this blog, they were very excited and even handed me an itemized receipt so I could accurately report on the prices and comment on the value of the food. So I tell you, you've read about Swett's. Now, go!

The End Notes:

• Not every lunch is worthy of $10, but Swett's is the place to go if you want good quality comfort food at a reasonable price.
• The tea was fresh but the only to-go cup size was a 12 oz. plastic cup. In an age of over-indulgence, this seems too small.

• While there were plenty of places to sit inside (feel free to dine with the residents!), and the location is relatively easy to get to even for Green Hills, the parking lot is unbearable. There is only way in and one way out, and the number of parking spaces is considerably less than the number of seats inside. My recommendation: go through the cafeteria line and take it to-go, or carpool with your coworkers.